Yom HaZikaron will begin Tuesday evening when Israelis will remember the fallen through ceremonies and a minute of silence at 8:00 PM marked by sirens through out the nation. A second siren, two minutes long, will designate two minutes of silence Monday morning. During the periods designated, just as in Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) which was recognized last week, Israelis stop everything they are doing, including driving, to honor the fallen.

IDF cemeteries will hold ceremonies for Israel’s fallen soldiers through out Israel. It is traditional in Israel for an Israeli flag with a black ribbon to be placed on each grave of those who fell in service of the State of Israel.

Yom HaZikaron was implemented in 1963 and is a national day of remembrance for all who have fallen for the creation of the State of Israel. It is one of four Jewish holidays and remembrance days added to the Jewish calendar since the establishment of the State of Israel.

Israel will commemorate the 23,320 casualties of war and terror since 1860. 116 soldiers and civilians lost their lives in the past year. 67 soldiers and five civilians were killed during this past summer’s Operation Protective. Two IDF soldiers were killed in January by a missile attack from Hezbollah.

The period of mourning also remembers missing soldiers. Israel will recognize the 555 missing soldiers. Two IDF soldiers, St. Sgt. Oron Shaul and Sec. Lt. Hadar Goldin, both fell during Operation Protective Edge, their remains believed to be held by Hamas.

Shaul and Goldin

Immediately following Yom HaZikaron, Israel will celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day). Israel will celebrate 67 years since its creation on May 14, 1948.

Israelis traditionally have barbeques and nation-wide celebrations. Each year the Israeli Air Force conducts air shows and large concerts are held with performances by Israeli musicians. Parades are held in each city through out Israel, citizens wearing and holding Israeli flags and celebrating the Jewish State.